The next stage of road improvement works in the Whakatāne central business district (CBD) are set to begin shortly as part of Whakatāne District Council’s annual road maintenance programme.
In preparation for these works, kerb replacement, removal of two unsuitable trees and adjustments to disability parking has recently been completed along a section of The Strand. Manager Transportation Ann-Elise Reynolds says the area is now prepped for The Strand, and other areas nearby, to be resurfaced and remarked.
“Road resurfacing works will start this Monday evening (25 November) along sections of Kakahoroa Drive Service Lane, The Strand and Commerce Street, during the overnight hours of 6pm to 6am only, wrapping up on Friday, 6 December (weather dependant).”
Work will begin on Monday on a section of Kakahoroa Drive Service Lane and is expected to be completed the following morning. The work site will be clearly marked in advance and businesses and patrons are asked to ensure rubbish bins and cars are positioned outside of the work site.
The following evening (Tuesday 26) crews will move to The Strand, between the Commerce Street roundabout and the Richardson Street roundabout. These works are expected to take place over two evenings.
From Monday, 1 December work will commence along Commerce Street, beginning at The Strand roundabout and working toward McDonalds; with an expected end date of 6am, Friday, 6 December.
Ms Reynolds notes the Council is committed to minimising disruption wherever possible and for this reason the works have been specifically scheduled to occur at night, with all affected roads re-opened for usual day time use each morning.
“By scheduling these works at night, we aim to limit impacts on daily activities and business operations.” She adds, “Each area will reopen from 6am to allow for usual daytime use, however the public are advised line marking, including within parking bays will not be completed until the resurfacing work is finalised.”
The public are asked to be mindful of their parking during this time and take care to ensure they position their vehicles appropriately.
Ms Reynolds says the works are an important part of maintaining and enhancing the town’s infrastructure.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause and thank the community for their understanding and cooperation while we complete these essential renewals.”
Traffic management will be in place during the works with temporary road closures in place and associated detours. Residents and businesses on Shapley Place, Pyne Street, Louvain Street, Merritt Street, Simpkins Street, and Domain Road are advised there will be temporary access disruption via Commerce Street during these works.